Tom ap Rhys Pryce Memorial Concert

To mark the tenth anniversary of the tragic death of Tom ap Rhys Pryce (B1 1988-93) a collaborative concert featuring Marlborough College Music Scholars, Old Marlburians and special guests was drawn together which proved a fitting occasion for a very special person.

The first half of the concert featured Marlborough College Music Scholars (Tom himself was both a violin exhibitioner and latterly a Music Scholar at the College which gave a special poignancy and connection). The programme of music by Purcell, Grieg, Mozart, John Rutter and a little jazz was an absolute delight.

Compère, Alex Blake (B2 1988-1993) reminded us of the significance of the occasion, but despite the circumstance, the idea was a celebration of Tom’s life and that was certainly achieved. There was genuine warmth and appreciation from the substantial audience that supported the event and with Crispian Steele-Perkins (B2 1958-62), Michael Pennington (PR 1957-61) and Imelda May contributing to a varied but effective second half, the concert was everything it needed to be.

The Tom ap Rhys Pryce Trust, inspirationally led by Tom’s parents John and Estelle, has raised over £2 million since Tom’s untimely death and supports a number of organisations that seek to help disadvantaged children. This concert was another example of one of the many fundraising initiatives that they have overseen and if any good can come out of such a tragedy, this surely must be it.